During these past community updates regarding the Chetco Bar Fire, we heard from a large variety of officials. During their presentations, they informed the community that they detected the origins of this blaze on July 12th when it had reached a 1/4 acre. They assessed the situation and deployed 4 repellers to attempt to extinguish the blaze.The firefighters were not successful and were joined by four more repellers who helped clear a helispot and attacked the blaze with nothing more than a backpack of supplies and hand tools. The firefighters worked tirelessly in this remote area in an attempt to extinguish the fire. As the conditions became more dangerous, it was determined they would not be successful and were eventually extracted.
Right now, our town is full of these fearless men and women, but not all firefighters repel from a helicopter. They are foot soldiers, hotshot and engine crews. Some are air-tanker and helicopter pilots, support personnel, and dozer and water tender operators. They are record keepers, operation management, and planners. Some coordinate logistics and finance, while others oversee safety and assess risk. Ultimately they are a diverse, inter-agency group of federal, state & local firefighters, and volunteers. These men and women are also husbands and wives, sons and daughters, and mothers and fathers with families that in some cases they have not seen for days, weeks or months.
One of their most difficult jobs is to provide information to the public knowing these answers will be met with concern, fear and sometimes anger. It becomes easy to doubt decisions made and actions taken when met with a personal loss. This is a tragedy for our community, but it is our continued support for each other and these brave men and women that will carry us through.
Please remember, they and or their family could be sitting next to you in a restaurant, standing next to you in a store, attending or giving a community update or even following on social media, and they hear you.